Chapter 7: Unwelcome Attention

**Sienna's Point of View**

The work at the retreat was progressing smoothly, and I was grateful for the productive days spent with Elena. The connection between her was growing stronger, and I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness about what the future held.

One crisp morning, as I walked into the office, I noticed a new face among the usual crowd. A tall, impeccably dressed man with an air of confidence and authority stood by the entrance. He seemed to command attention, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of curiosity.

Elena approached him, and their conversation seemed cordial but formal. As I approached her desk, I overheard snippets of their exchange.

"This is Victor Caldwell," Elena said. "He's one of the leading figures in the architectural world."

Victor turned towards me, his gaze lingering longer than necessary. "Ah, you must be Sienna. Elena has spoken highly of you."

I smiled politely, trying to mask my discomfort. "Nice to meet you, Victor."

He gave me a charming smile, but there was something in his eyes that made me uneasy. "The pleasure is mine. I've heard about the impressive work you're doing here."

As the day went on, I noticed Victor frequently casting glances in my direction. His attention made me uncomfortable, and I found myself trying to focus on my work while avoiding his gaze.

**Elena's Point of View**

Victor Caldwell's arrival was both a blessing and a complication. His reputation in the industry was stellar, but his interest in the retreat and in Sienna was something I hadn't anticipated. I could see the way he looked at Sienna, and it stirred a protective instinct in me.

Throughout the day, Victor lingered around the office, engaging in conversations and observing the progress of their project. His presence was a stark contrast to the usual atmosphere at the retreat, and I couldn't shake the feeling that his interest in Sienna was more than just professional.

At one point, Victor approached me privately. "Elena, may I speak with you for a moment?"

I nodded, leading him to a quieter corner of the office. "What's on your mind?"

Victor leaned in, lowering his voice. "I couldn't help but notice the chemistry between you and Sienna. It's quite... compelling."

I stiffened, sensing the undertone in his words. "Sienna is a talented intern. Our focus should remain on the project."

Victor's smile widened, but there was a sharpness to it. "Of course. But I must admit, I'm intrigued by her. Perhaps we should discuss further collaboration opportunities."

I forced a polite smile, feeling the tension rise. "We'll certainly consider it. Thank you for your interest, Victor."

**Author's Point of View**

Victor Caldwell's arrival at the retreat introduced a new layer of tension. His charismatic demeanor and probing interest in Sienna were evident to everyone around him. The dynamic between him, Sienna, and Elena was becoming increasingly complex.

As the day progressed, Victor's focus on Sienna became more pronounced. He sought her out for discussions, complimented her work, and even invited her to join him for a brief meeting in his room. Sienna, feeling uncomfortable, hesitated but eventually agreed.

In Victor's opulent room, the atmosphere was heavy with unspoken tension. While Sienna stood near the window, her unease was palpable. Victor's charm felt insincere, and his advances bordered on intrusive.

Elena, sensing Sienna's discomfort, decided to check in. She knocked on the door and entered, finding Sienna visibly tense. Victor's courteous demeanor faltered as he saw Elena.

"Is there something I can help you with, Elena?" Victor asked, his tone courteous but edged with annoyance.

"I was just checking in," Elena said, her voice calm. "I wanted to ensure that everything was going well."

Victor's eyes narrowed slightly, but he maintained his composure. "Everything is fine, Elena. We were just discussing some details."

Elena gave Sienna a reassuring look and turned back to Victor. "If you need anything, please let me know."

As Elena led Sienna back to the main area, she felt a surge of protectiveness. The dynamics at play were becoming increasingly complicated, and Elena was determined to shield Sienna from any undue influence.

The retreat was becoming a tangled web of relationships and tensions. Victor's presence and his evident interest in Sienna added a new layer of complexity. Elena's protective instincts were in overdrive, and her actions to safeguard Sienna highlighted the growing bond between them.

As the evening approached, the atmosphere remained charged with unspoken emotions and unresolved tensions. Sienna's discomfort with Victor's attention and Elena's fierce protectiveness set the stage for further developments. The retreat, once a place of professional collaboration, was now a battleground of personal and professional stakes.

---